As head of digital communications for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Erin Flior is responsible for the platforms and tools that deepen ties to the cystic fibrosis community, increase awareness of the disease, and support the advance of the search for a cure. She has led award-winning teams in providing innovative, integrated communications solutions to a vast array of challenges, delivering strategic campaigns with measurable results.
Erin has worked with Fortune 500 companies including AT&T, American Airlines, HSBC, and AXA Equitable, as well as such trade associations as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Travel Association, and the American Medical Association, among others. She is member of the board of both Washington Women in Public Relations and the American Advertising Federation-DC.
Here's Erin Flior, in her own words:
My first job in PR was: working for the Communications team at my alma mater Hamilton College as an undergraduate.
I chose PR because: I love building communities around shared interests.
If I weren’t in PR, I’d be: Working in data, there is a lot of data being collected that could drive meaningful connections and insights, but it is rarely organized or structured in ways that enable thoughtful analysis. Big data is a mess, smart data will be revolutionary.
The last great business book I read was: Measure What Matters, by John Doerr
The best personal advice I’ve ever received was: “Think before you put your mouth in gear.” It’s a family mantra and has served me well in any number of occasions.
The best advice I’ve given is: “Always begin with shared definitions.” Even within the same organization it is amazing how critical a precondition for success this is.
If I could solve one big challenge for communicators, it would be: Standardizing how we measure impact and engagement.
The last vacation I took was: I spent a week on Lake Champlain in Vermont
The technology I can’t live without is: my smart phone
The technology I could certainly live without is: Siri and Alexa. Voice recognition has many uses, but I am not interested.
My dream three dinner guests would be: Indra Nooyi, former CEO PepsiCo and current Director of Amazon; Mark Ritson, marketing professor and columnist; and comedian Ali Wong.
And I’d serve them: Lobster rolls
Want to be considered for First Person? Contact content director Melissa Hoffmann at [email protected]